Independence Day

Independence Day

Independence Day celebrations almost always include fireworks of some kind. The Prevent Blindness America organization recommends attending professionally organized fireworks displays rather than buying and setting off your own. This view is echoed by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which collects and reports data on fireworks-related injuries every year. They report that 7,000 emergency room visits from fireworks-related injuries occurred during 2008, including seven deaths. In 2007, there were 11 deaths and 9,800 emergency room visits from fireworks-related injury.

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center will present "An American Salute," an Independence Day celebration, on the Medical Center front lawn. The concert -- beginning at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, July 4 -- will feature a patriotic performance from the Hershey Symphony Orchestra. The event is free to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Free, convenient parking is available.

Independence Day in Happy Valley this year means a long holiday weekend that starts with a big bang -- or rather hundreds of bangs. Central PA 4thFest, the region's highly popular all-volunteer fireworks event will cap off a day of fun family-friendly events.